Ukraine is facing a critical shortage of Aster-30 missiles, the key munitions for its SAMP/T air defense systems, and has turned to Italy and France for urgent resupply.

According to a recent report by Corriere della Sera, Kyiv has been requesting at least 50 additional missiles for several weeks as its existing stockpile nears depletion. However, logistical and strategic challenges on the European side have complicated the request, raising concerns about Ukraine’s air defense capabilities in the ongoing war against Russia.

The Growing Shortage and Ukraine’s Plea for Resupply

The SAMP/T air defense system, co-developed by France and Italy, is one of the most advanced European missile defense systems and a crucial component of Ukraine’s efforts to intercept Russian air attacks. It has a maximum operational range of 150 kilometers (93 miles) and can reach an altitude of up to 25 kilometers (15.5 miles).

However, Ukraine’s heavy use of these systems over the past two years has drained its missile stockpile.

With large-scale Russian missile barrages becoming more frequent, Kyiv is struggling to maintain its defense capabilities.

For weeks, Ukrainian officials have been pressing Italy and France for at least 50 more Aster-30 missiles, the primary interceptor used by the SAMP/T. However, Italy, which has already provided two SAMP/T batteries to Ukraine, is running critically low on its own stockpile and must reserve a portion for national defense.

While France has a larger supply, it also faces limitations in providing further support due to military planning and production constraints.

Italy’s Military Constraints and Future Plans

Italy’s hesitation in supplying additional Aster-30 missiles stems from its own defense requirements.

The Italian government retains three SAMP/T systems for national security and is wary of depleting its reserves further.

In November 2024, Italy’s defense ministry outlined a plan to procure ten additional SAMP/T units, with each unit costing approximately 500 million euros ($542 million). However, these acquisitions are not immediate solutions to Ukraine’s urgent need.

On March 14, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov traveled to Rome to meet with his Italian counterpart, Guido Crosetto, to discuss the missile request.

As part of his visit, Umerov also met with executives from Eurosam, the consortium responsible for manufacturing the Aster-30 missiles.

Eurosam is a joint venture comprising MBDA Italy, MBDA France, and Thales, and its limited production capacity has been a major bottleneck in supplying additional missiles.

Challenges in Missile Production and Performance Limitations

One of the key obstacles to meeting Ukraine’s demand is the limited production rate of Aster-30 missiles.

Unlike the widely used Patriot system from the US, the SAMP/T system is deployed only by a handful of European and Middle Eastern nations, including France, Italy, the UK, Algeria, Egypt, and Qatar. This restricted deployment has resulted in a slower production cycle, limiting the availability of new missiles.

Additionally, according to The Wall Street Journal, SAMP/T systems have exhibited performance limitations compared to US-made Patriot batteries. The report highlights that SAMP/T has struggled in large-scale missile interception scenarios, particularly against complex Russian attacks.

While the system has successfully shot down Russian aircraft—as confirmed by Ukrainian Air Force official Yurii Ihnat—the growing intensity of the war has put Ukrainian air defenses under increased pressure.

Recognizing the urgent need for more Aster missiles, France, the UK, and Italy recently placed an order for 218 additional Aster missiles, including Aster-15 and Aster-30 variants. While this move signals a commitment to strengthening air defense capabilities, it remains uncertain how soon Ukraine will benefit from these new munitions, as production timelines remain unclear.

Russia’s Tactical Shift: Targeting Ukraine’s Air Defenses

Ukraine’s urgent call for more missiles also comes amid a shift in Russia’s military strategy.

According to Yurii Ihnat, after several Russian aircraft were shot down by SAMP/T and Patriot systems, Russian forces have adjusted their tactics to prioritize targeting Ukraine’s air defense infrastructure. This tactical shift has put additional pressure on Ukraine to reinforce its missile defenses as quickly as possible.

Conclusion

Ukraine’s call for Aster-30 missiles highlights the critical state of its air defense systems as it faces continued Russian aggression. While diplomatic efforts with Italy and France continue, the challenges of limited stockpiles, slow production, and strategic constraints make resupplying Ukraine a complex issue.

The recent order for more Aster missiles by European nations is a step in the right direction, but whether Kyiv can receive reinforcements in time to maintain its defense capabilities remains uncertain.

As the war drags on, Ukraine’s ability to protect its skies will depend heavily on how quickly its allies can deliver critical military aid—a question that remains unanswered as the battlefield dynamics continue to evolve.